Rotational Isomerism and the Orientation of the Total Dipole Moment

A method for determining the orientation of the total dipole moments of distinct rotamers of the same molecule is discussed. Utilizing solely the experimental dipole moments obtained with microwave spectroscopy (gas phase) and an approximate structure, the orientation of the dipole moment can often be determined without use of bond moment considerations. Experimental data from nine rotamer pairs are analyzed to illustrate the method.